Brunei: Soft Play Opening Hours @ Chit Chat Community Centre

Brunei: Ramadhan Considerations

Brunei: Shivaratri Puja - Wednesday, 26th February 2025, 1130 – 1230 hrs @ BFB Temple

BFB TEMPLE SERVICE (SHIVARATRI PUJA) – 26 FEB 25

Issue. As per the Brigade of Gurkhas Religious Festivals FOE 2024/25, the SHIVARATRI Puja falls on Wed 26 Feb 2025.

Request. All BFB personnel including families are invited to join the Shivaratri Puja at the BFB Temple.

2ICs / CSMs to encourage all available SPs to attend the service. 

Timing. 1130 – 1230 hrs. Please be seated by 1125 hrs.

Dress: Working / Comfortable attire for families.

Sequence of events:
· Mediation
· Puja
· Bhajan
· Prabachan
· Arati, Phool, Prasad & Tika (Blessings)

Background. According to sacred scriptures, the ritual worship of Lord Shiva on the SHIVARATRI festival falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in February or March every year. This fact is said to have been declared by Lord Shiva himself, when his consort Parvati asked him as to which ritual performed by his devotees pleases him the most. Even till date, devotees of Lord Shiva perform the ritual worship of SHIVARATRI with care and devotion. They observe day and night fast and give a sacred bath to Shiva Linga with honey, milk, water etc. It is believed that the worship of Lord Shiva with devotion and sincerity absolves a devotee of past sins. The devotee reaches the abode of Lord Shanker and lives there happily. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death and attains moksha or salvation.

Give Us Time: respite breaks for military families - 2025 dates are live!

The charity ‘Give Us Time’ offers accommodation for respite breaks for UK military families. No referral is required from Welfare for families to sign up. Please see the poster for more details and the current March dates, but more 2025 dates are available on the website: https://giveustime.org.uk/

Applications open for the Service Pupil Support Programme

Applications are now open for the Service Pupil Support Programme which is part of the MOD’s Armed Forces Families Fund (AF3). The programme will award grants between £5,000 and £150,000 to projects supporting service children along their educational pathway, and to reach their full potential. Deadline is midday on 30th April 2025. See the Press release for more detail and links.

Service Leavers' Guide - latest edition

T​he updated version of the Service Leavers' Guide has now been published on Gov.UK.

Please click here to read this edition online. 

Brunei: Brunei Overseas Allowance Feedback

BRUNEI OVERSEAS ALLOWANCE FEEDBACK

1. Info. This feedback is an opportunity to portray our views and submit feedback on the recent changes to Brunei Overseas allowances in order to provide a general view and its impact from everyone within British Forces Brunei. All the collated information will be analysed and forwarded to the higher chain (Bde/Div) for their necessary onward action.

2. Action. Please scan the QR code above or click here and complete the questionnaire with the utmost integrity.

3. Time. Please complete by 26 Feb 25.

Any further info or question are to direct to RAO dept 1RGR and UWC.

Brunei: Yoga and Meditation with Pandit Ji - *Next Session* Tuesday, 25th February 2025, 0930 - 1045 hrs @ CCCC Main Hall

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Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Reducing Veteran Homelessness Programme reopens for applications

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new round of funding under the Reducing Veteran Homelessness (RVH) Programme in a bid to deliver further sustainable, supported housing options for veterans in need.

The Trust is delivering this important programme on behalf of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) in support of the government’s ambition to end veteran homelessness and ensure veterans have access to the support they need, including housing.

Current findings from the RVH programme

Following on from the initial awards made in July 2023, the Trust commissioned Alma Economics to consult with key stakeholders in the housing sector, including those awarded funds in the first round. Key recommendations from this consultation include:

• A need for increased support for veterans with acute, complex or multiple support needs.
• Promoting a needs-based approach to support provision.
• Addressing bottlenecks across the lifecycle of support provision.
• A focus on partnership working.

Both the RVH interim programme evaluation report and the summary of consultation findings are available to read on the Trust’s website.

Further funding available

Under this new round of the RVH programme, charities, local authorities and registered social housing providers can apply for up to £300,000 towards a project delivered for up to nine months.

There is also an opportunity for organisations to apply for an enhanced award of up to a further £200,000 where that work will fill a significant level of unmet need.

What applicants will need to show

Projects should improve the capacity of services in supported housing to better help veterans with a range of different needs. Full details of the programme priorities are mapped out in a Programme Guidance document available on the Trust’s website.

Op Fortitude

Funded projects will need to work with Op Fortitude, a UK wide referral pathway supporting homeless veterans or veterans at risk of homelessness, into housing.

Find out more

Want to know more about applying to the RVH programme? Full details are available at: www.covenantfund.org.uk

Application deadline is noon, 31 March 2025.

The Ripple Pond – Spring Newsletter

Please click here to read online. 

Brunei: BN Post Room Updates

BN POST ROOM UPDATES

The BN Post Room located in Tuker Lines will release new parcels and letters on Wednesday 26 February 2025 from 10:30hrs to 12:00hrs. Because the Post Office, Chit Chat Community Centre will be closed on Monday 24 February 2025 in conjunction of 41st Brunei National Day (In Lieu).

Brunei: AWS Community Support - Families Club - Saturday, 28th June 2025 @ Mumong Community Centre

Brunei: BFB Ladies Night Programme - *Today* Friday, 21st February 2025, 1700 - 2359 @ CCCC

Please click the image to enlarge.

BFB Ladies Night

The theme for Ladies Night is the Zodiac. You can choose to wear something that represents your own zodiac sign or any other zodiac sign you like. If you'd prefer, simple party wear is also acceptable.

For the Zodiac Theme, you could consider incorporating colours associated with your zodiac sign, wearing relevant jewellery, or using face paint that symbolizes your sign.

Please do your best to match the Zodiac Theme, as there will be prizes for the Best Dressed and Raffle Draw as well!

Tickets. 

The ticket cost will be $20.00 BND per person.

All attendees will have to contribute towards the drinks.

Tickets are available with Department Heads, Company CSMs, Committee Members (CSM’s Wives) and at the Chit Chat HIVE Office. 

Purchase of tickets will be closed on Friday 14th February 2025.

X-Forces: Self Employment Discovery 3-Day Online Course for Mil Spouses & Partners

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For more information and to register, visit Tri Service Spouses & Partners: Self-Employment Discovery 3-Day Course

Brunei: Closure of RAO ADMIN OFFICE – Thursday, 20th February 2025

CLOSURE OF RAO ADMIN OFFICE – THURSDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2025

The RAO Admin Office will be Closed on Thursday, 20th February 2025 due to co-ordination planning for G1A inspection.

The office will be resume on Friday, 21st February 2025.

Brunei: Operation Neptune - Tide and Weather Forecast for 19 - 25 February 2025

Note:

1. This is a routine update of weather forecast for “OP NEPTUNE”. Any possible adverse weather report will be updated in CRO and to the Combined Duty Officer of the day.

2. For more detailed weather forecasts please visit the website.

• Seria Weather - 7, 10 & 14 Day Weather Forecast - Brunei Darussalam (worldweatheronline.com)
• Tide Times and Tide Chart for Seria (tide-forecast.com)

Women into Employment 2025: Tues 18 March in London. Event for women from across the military community

Do you know a woman in the military community contemplating her next career choice? Are you at a crossroads and not sure where to turn next? Join us at this year’s Women into Employment (WIE25) event in London on Tuesday, 18 March 2025.

The full day will focus on how you bring the real YOU to the workplace. With an agenda packed with key points and ideas, you are guaranteed to take away some key points and ideas for the next steps in your career path. Register here for the event.

Women into Employment 2025 (WIE25) is the Forces Employment Charity’s flagship event and offers support to women from across the whole Armed Forces community, welcoming those of you preparing to leave the Armed Forces, reservists, veterans of all ranks, military partners, spouses and young people.

Are you a family member of a Veteran who is suffering with addiction?

Tom Harrison House provides specialist addiction recovery programmes and family support for UK Armed Forces serving personnel, veterans and emergency services personnel. The next Tom Harrison House Family experiential therapeutic retreat is 4-6th April 2025, at Derwent Hill Outdoor Centre, Keswick. For more details please see the poster or website: https://tomharrisonhouse.org.uk/events/afcft-family-retreats

Places are limited and will go fast so to find out more or book your place email: events@tomharrisonhouse.org.uk

Funded by Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust

Service Police Confidential Crime Line, available 24/7 - You are not alone

Anyone (Service or Civil Servant) who has been the victim or witness of serious crime at any point of their Service in the MOD can call the Service Police Crime Bureau on 02392 285 170 or 02392 285 180, or the Service Police confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658, available 24/7. You will be listened to, there is support available for victims and all allegations are taken seriously.

Brunei: BFSWS - Understanding Your Child's Behaviour Course - Starting from 18th February – 07th March 2025. Every Tuesday & Friday, 0830 - 1030 AM @ BFSWS Office, CCCC

Please click the image to enlarge.

For any queries, please contact 

Rachana Niraula at 322 4101 Ext 3285 / 

email at Rachana.poudel@forcessocialwork.com

Or Anita Collins at Ext 3371/ 

email at anita.collins@forcessocialwork.com

Forces Employment Charity: Job Vacancy – Families Employment Advisor, Colchester/SE England

Forces Employment Charity is seeking a dedicated employment advisor. As part of a national team, you will provide employment and training advice and guidance to a remote caseload of spouses and partners of still serving Armed Forces and ex-service personnel (Veterans) in the UK and overseas with personal development and/or until they are settled in sustainable careers.

Reporting to the National Employment Projects Manager. This position is full-time, 35 hours per week with a salary of £29,000 per annum. This role is Home-based (with community outreach) in the Colchester region with community outreach throughout the region (Southeast, East of England, London).

The closing date for applications is midnight on 21 Feb.

To find out more and to apply for this role, please click HERE

Brunei: National Insurance Credits For Partners Of Armed Forces Personnel Overseas

What is National Insurance Credits?

If you’re not in paid employment, you might be able to qualify for National Insurance Credits. The National Insurance Credits that you receive will work to fill in the gaps in your National Insurance record and enable you to continue to receive certain benefits like Job seeker's Allowance and the State Pension.

There are two types of National Insurance Credits available: Class 1 and Class 3

Why apply for National Insurance Credits?

As a married or civil partner of a member of the armed forces, accompanying them to an overseas posting after 6th April 2010, and returning to the UK you might be eligible to get National Insurance Credits.

Apply if you're the spouse or civil partner of armed service personnel and have been with them on a posting outside the UK you can claim NI Credits.

Credits can help to fill gaps in your National Insurance record, for example if you were not in work when you were with your partner on an overseas posting. Credits can make sure you qualify for certain benefits including the State Pension.

Please click here for further information

How to apply?

You will be required to fill in the form provided and sent it to HM Revenue & Customs. Please click HERE for the form.

To find out more about National Insurance Credits and how to apply for it please visit the website HERE.

The NI Credits application form can be obtained from the HIVE and the SSO Office.

Details

Print and complete the form MODCA1 (using capital letters) to apply for Class 1 National Insurance credits if you’re the spouse or civil partner of armed service personnel and have been on an accompanied assignment outside the UK.

The Third Page of the form needs to be completed by the Unit Welfare Officer.

When to complete this form

You should not apply for National Insurance Credits more than four months before the confirmed end date of your accompanied assignment outside the UK and no later than the end of the tax year after the end of the assignment.

Click here for MODCA1 form.

Child Benefit Information

You are entitled to Child Benefit if you’re responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training).

Only one person can claim Child Benefit for a child.

You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office.

You may have to pay a tax charge if your or your partner’s individual income is over £50,000.

You can choose not to get Child Benefit payments, but you should still fill in the claim form because:

- it will help you get National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension

- it will ensure your child is registered to get a National Insurance number when they’re 16 years old

CLICK HERE for the full details and updates....

Forces Families Jobs - Employment, Training & Career Support

On this platform families will be able to search and apply for jobs solely from employers that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant. This will give the families some reassurance that the employer will have an understanding of Service life. 

The site will also offer free, or discounted training for Service families. With over 200 employers already signed up for FFJ, this project that will aid spousal employment.

Please click HERE to access to further information or scan the QR Code above.

Forces Families Jobs is the go-to place for training, employment and volunteer roles for family members of currently serving UK military personnel.

Apply for jobs and access employment and training opportunities with companies and organisations who are Forces family friendly.

You can use this website with confidence, knowing that employers have signed the Armed Forces Covenant or are able to demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces.

This is your gateway to accessing information about acquiring new skills, upgrading your existing skills or applying directly to employers who are understanding of the unique challenges that come with being a family member of a serving person.

To find out more about Training & Career support from Forces Families Jobs CLICK HERE

Brunei: Authorisation for Carriage of Portable Electronic Devices

Authorisation for Carriage of Portable Electronic Devices

MS Form for the “Authorisation for Carriage of Portable Electronic Devices” on the CRO, as per JSP 440 guidelines.

A few key points to note:

• SPs holding Official PED are no longer required to complete a hard copy form. Instead, they must complete the electronic version via the MS Form link provided before traveling.

• Once submitted, both the Requester and Authoriser will automatically receive notifications with all relevant details.

• This process will be monitored, and if there are any incorrect details, the individual will be notified.

It’s essential that the notification is printed and carried by the individual while travelling.

Family Lives Newsletter - June 2025

Need to talk to someone about family life?

People contact Family Lives about stages of a child's development, issues with schools, and parenting/relationship support. Family Lives also respond when life becomes more complicated and provide support around family breakdown, aggression in the home, bullying, teenage risky behaviour and mental health concerns of both parents and their children.​

You can talk to Family Lives over the phone, via email or online from your phone, tablet or laptop. This service is free and confidential.

https://www.familylives.org.uk

To read more about Family Lives Newsletter on their website, Click Here.

National Apprenticeship Week 2025: 10 – 16 Feb 2025

A week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

For more information, including events taking place, please go to: National Apprenticeship Week 2025, 10 - 16 February 2025

Toolkits available are available at: National Apprenticeship Week 2025, 10 - 16 February 2025

Introducing MyCadet

MyCadet is a digital app specifically designed for parents and guardians of the Army Cadet Force, making it easier than ever to keep up to date with your cadet’s progress.

Find out more by visiting: https://armycadets.com/mycadet/

NHS Step into Health webinar – 26 Mar: Helping you to return to practice after your serving spouse or partner is posted abroad

NHS Step into Health are pleased to announce their upcoming information session: Helping you to return to practice after your serving spouse or partner is posted abroad due to take place on Wednesday 26th March, 10 - 11am.

During this one-hour webinar, attendees will hear from representatives of various regulatory bodies across multiple clinical professions, as well as members of NHS England’s return to practice team.

The Step into Health team, in collaboration with their key speakers, has developed a comprehensive FAQ guidance sheet. During the session, speakers will elaborate on relevant sections, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.

The objectives of the session are: 

1. Provide a clear overview of the steps involved in returning to practice for spouses and partners posted abroad with serving personnel.

2. Offer detailed information from various regulatory bodies across multiple clinical professions to ensure participants are aware of the requirements and standards.

   

3. Highlight the resources and support available from NHS England’s return to practice team.

    

4. Introduce the comprehensive FAQ guidance sheet developed by the Step into Health, explaining its relevance and how to use it effectively.

    

5. Facilitate an interactive question and answer session where participants can seek clarification and additional information from the experts.

To find out more and to register for a place please visit the SiTH events web page.

England: Sexual Assault Referral Centres

There are 48 SARCs across England, which provide help 24 hours, seven days a week. This includes crisis care, medical and forensic medical examinations, emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections.

To find out more about help after sexual assault and abuse, visit www.nhs.uk/sarcs

Brunei: BFB UK Spouse Visa and Child Naturalisation Issue - Reporting Tool

BFB UK SPOUSE VISA AND CHILD NATURALISATION ISSUE - REPORTING TOOL 

1. Individuals who have recently applied for a UK Spouse Visa or Child Naturalisation are to complete the questionnaire by scanning the QR code below or by clicking this LINK. The aim of this toolkit is to help service personnel and families to fast track the application where possible. 

2. If you have any questions or required further information on the UK Visa/Child naturalisation process, please email - 1RGR-RAO-CENTRAL-ADMINHUB@mod.gov.uk.

Brunei: Visa Application Guide - Leave to Enter & Indefinite Leave to Enter - Procedures and Requirements

Please click the image to enlarge.

Slide 1 - Leave to Enter – Procedures and requirements. Link.

Slide 2 - Indefinite Leave to Enter – Procedures and requirements. Link.

PoC – WO2 Diwash Rai, RAWO 1RGR

Email: Diwash.rai141@mod.gov.uk

Brunei: RBA Flight Schedule - From now until 25th October 2025

RBA published flight schedule until October 2025. To access the full schedule, Click Here

NEW RBA Flight Schedule from now until 25th October 2025. To access the full schedule, click HERE.

Of note, all London bound flights will fly via Dubai (no direct flights after 26th March 2023) 

Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: New funding to support bereaved military families

The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has announced a new funding opportunity for charities supporting bereaved military families.

British Gas Apprenticeship Week Open Days

To mark Apprenticeship week, British Gas are hosting a series of open days at our engineering academies this week:

Hamilton Academy Open Day:
AM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1109269818889?aff=oddtdtcreator
PM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1109275084639?aff=oddtdtcreator

Dartford Academy Open Day:
AM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1109282757589?aff=oddtdtcreator
PM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1203385762209?aff=oddtdtcreator

Apprenticeship Information Webinar: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1116398420729?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thatcham Academy Open Day:
AM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1109045638359?aff=oddtdtcreator
PM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1106976940829?aff=oddtdtcreator

Leicester Academy Open Day:
AM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1109317952859?aff=oddtdtcreator
PM: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1111326089249?aff=oddtdtcreator

Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas Launches

WRAPAROUND CHILDCARE (WAC) OVERSEAS LAUNCHES

If you use Defence Children Services (DCS) childcare provision overseas, you may be eligible to claim WAC from January 2025.

The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme provides funding for up to 20 hours per week, per child, during term time (39 weeks), to eligible Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years old (4-16 years old if receiving Government disability allowances) who are in full time education in school or being home educated. Over 7,000 Service children's before and after school childcare is currently being funded by WAC.

WAC Overseas mirrors the WAC scheme in the UK, it is a reimbursement from Defence to Service personnel of up to 80% of the costs of before and after school childcare. Capped hourly rates apply and can be found in 2022DIN01-079-Defence Wraparound Childcare Allowance. The remaining 20% is claimed from HMRC via an active Tax-Free Childcare account. WAC funding does not provide childcare spaces, it is funding for costs incurred when eligible families pay for before and after school childcare.

What do families need to do to register to claim WAC funding?

• Make sure each child, that funding will be claimed for, has an active Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) account (active means that you reconfirm your account with HMRC every 3 months and receive the 20% top up from HMRC when you add money into the TFC account).

• Check children have been recorded and verified on JPA; children are verified on JPA when there is a ‘yes’ in the certificate verified box.

• Register using this Form. Once you have submitted your registration form, wait until you receive a WAC Overseas eligibility confirmation email including reference number and entitlement start date before submitting a claim.

• Please note this is a temporary registration and claims process that will be in place until at least April 2025, before it is moved within JPA.

• If you registered your child(ren) for WAC UK within JPA and have since been assigned to a location included in WAC Overseas and are accompanied by your family, you will need to register again using the WAC Overseas process.

How do families claim WAC Overseas funding?

• Once you have submitted a registration and received your WAC Overseas eligibility confirmation email, you can submit WAC Overseas claims for childcare used from the date shown on the registration confirmation email.

• For guidance on how to submit a WAC Overseas claim please see the step-by-step guides on the WAC Overseas area of the Defence Childcare Information Page on Defnet or Defence Connect.

• When using DCS provision, the provider must have been paid via an active TFC account before the claim is submitted.

How much can families claim?

The WAC Overseas capped hourly rates are set to the average for providers in England and by provider type. The capped hourly rates change at the start of each UK autumn term, these may go up or down and may affect the amount of funding you can claim.

• Check the rates which are listed in 2022DIN01-079 – Defence Wraparound Childcare Allowance on Defnet or Defence Connect to find out the amount of funding you can claim.

• The WAC benefits calculator on the WAC Discover My Benefits Army, RAF, Navy pages enables families to check how much they may be able to claim before deciding if they want to register for WAC Overseas.

If you have any questions in the meantime, contact the WAC team at: PEOPLE-AFFS-WAC-FRO-mailbox@mod.gov.uk.

Brunei: Study UK Fair 2025 - 10th February 2025, 1400 – 1900 hrs @ The Empire Brunei Indera Kayangan Ballroom.

STUDY UK FAIR 2025

1. EVENT – Study UK Fair 2025. “Discover your further education pathway towards Great British undergraduate, postgraduate, & phD study”

2. DATE & TIME – 10 February 2025. 1400 – 1900 hrs.

3. VENUE – The Empire Brunei Indera Kayangan Ballroom.

4. ORGANISER – British High Commission in BAB & British Council.

Childcare Works project starting on 25th February 2025

Please click the image to enlarge.

To find out more, please see contact details on the poster or visit:

Wales Childcare Works project - NDNA Cymru

Childcare Works project overview